Our Definitive Guide To London's Most Awesome Film Clubs
Labyrinthine concrete multiplexes and stale popcorn not floating your cinematic boat, these days? Well, listen up. The city is strewn, yes we said strewn, with awesome, off-the-beaten-path film experiences that are ripe for the picking. If you know where to look....
Put it this way: If you're not watching a film outside swaddled in blankets, grilling the director in a post-show Q&A, or being regaled by actors, then quite frankly, you’re doing it wrong. (We kid, we joke — but seriously, you're missing out.)
From frighteningly immersive experiences — complete with contraband whisky and scratchy prison uniforms — to five-star hotels, we found 12 alternative film clubs guaranteed to enrich your cinematic experience. They are most definitely not what you'd expect, or where you'd expect — and that’s just the way we like it.
Roof Top Film Club
Whether it’s Netil House in London Fields, or the Kensington Roof Gardens, there’s no denying that Roof Top Cinema knows how to throw a party. The vibe is crowd-pleasing cult classics like Casablanca and When Harry Met Sally, and for £25 you get dinner freshly grilled on the BBQ, a glass of Champagne, blankets, and breath-taking views across the capital thrown into the bargain.
Visit Roof Top Film Club for more information
Alibi
We love Real Gold’s Alibi bar on Kingsland High Street for its excellent DJs, left field music nights, and guaranteed good times, but did you know that the Dalston hangout is also a meeting place for cult-film fans? Every Monday, the venue is commandeered by Alibi Film Club, a free event where guests enjoy a classics and recent cult titles, like Dune and Scream.
Visit Alibi for more information
The Gothique Film Society
The place for true connoisseurs of the macabre, Gothique Film Society has been championing the artistic merits of horror films since 1967 — so you know you’re in terrifyingly safe hands. Obscure and rarely seen horror and fantasy films from the ‘30s to the ‘70s are on the menu and the crowd is devoted to their subject to the point of obsession (in the best possible sense). But our favourite fact about Gothique? Bob Monkhouse was once honorary president. Awesome doesn’t even cover it. Membership costs £17.50 per season, or £7 for a single show.
Visit Gothique Film Society for more information
The Electric Cinema
Possibly the ultimate date-night destination, Notting Hill’s Electric Cinema had a complete refit at the tail-end of last year and have installed double beds where the front row used to be. Couples are able to slip under cashmere throws with a glass of vino while they watch — or not — what's on the screen. Oh, and the foyer now hosts Electric Donuts, serving hot donuts and coffee.
Visit Electric Cinema for more information
Photo courtesy of Electric Cinema
Put it this way: If you're not watching a film outside swaddled in blankets, grilling the director in a post-show Q&A, or being regaled by actors, then quite frankly, you’re doing it wrong. (We kid, we joke — but seriously, you're missing out.)
From frighteningly immersive experiences — complete with contraband whisky and scratchy prison uniforms — to five-star hotels, we found 12 alternative film clubs guaranteed to enrich your cinematic experience. They are most definitely not what you'd expect, or where you'd expect — and that’s just the way we like it.
Roof Top Film ClubWhether it’s Netil House in London Fields, or the Kensington Roof Gardens, there’s no denying that Roof Top Cinema knows how to throw a party. The vibe is crowd-pleasing cult classics like Casablanca and When Harry Met Sally, and for £25 you get dinner freshly grilled on the BBQ, a glass of Champagne, blankets, and breath-taking views across the capital thrown into the bargain.
Visit Roof Top Film Club for more information
Alibi
We love Real Gold’s Alibi bar on Kingsland High Street for its excellent DJs, left field music nights, and guaranteed good times, but did you know that the Dalston hangout is also a meeting place for cult-film fans? Every Monday, the venue is commandeered by Alibi Film Club, a free event where guests enjoy a classics and recent cult titles, like Dune and Scream.
Visit Alibi for more information
The Gothique Film Society
The place for true connoisseurs of the macabre, Gothique Film Society has been championing the artistic merits of horror films since 1967 — so you know you’re in terrifyingly safe hands. Obscure and rarely seen horror and fantasy films from the ‘30s to the ‘70s are on the menu and the crowd is devoted to their subject to the point of obsession (in the best possible sense). But our favourite fact about Gothique? Bob Monkhouse was once honorary president. Awesome doesn’t even cover it. Membership costs £17.50 per season, or £7 for a single show.
Visit Gothique Film Society for more information
The Electric Cinema
Possibly the ultimate date-night destination, Notting Hill’s Electric Cinema had a complete refit at the tail-end of last year and have installed double beds where the front row used to be. Couples are able to slip under cashmere throws with a glass of vino while they watch — or not — what's on the screen. Oh, and the foyer now hosts Electric Donuts, serving hot donuts and coffee.
Visit Electric Cinema for more information
Photo courtesy of Electric Cinema
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